Yeah, I think it's the only one in the whole of England if I remember correctly.

Hah. Horror stories. Welllll.....

First off, it's hard to find. I was looking for this medieval building I saw in a photo but it's in an entirely modern area. You need to go through this alleyway into a courtyard to find it. It definitely took 10-15 minutes of wandering on the street and asking a couple businessmen to find that alleyway.

Second, the test was proctored by a couple old pensioners which was hilarious. They didn't quite understand how important the test was but they went through all the regulations and did everything legit as I had expected albeit they sort of stumbled through it all. There was also only one clock at the test center which was barely big enough to see if you weren't in the first couple rows. Definitely bring your own watch.

Third, when we sat down at the desks to start filling everything out someone outside began using a jackhammer. I kid you not. I guess LSAC had sent the construction company a letter to let them know we were testing on this day and time and requested that they not work during that time. Needless to say they did not take this request on board. We kept filling the paperwork out while someone went to talk to the contractor. For the most part it stopped but they did work intermittently throughout the test. At one point we were all just sitting there, waiting for it to stop so we could start the first section and the old English woman who was proctoring goes, "Well. Hmph. Maybe we should just have a go at it then?" This American guy says, "Lady. This is the LSAT. You don't just 'have a go' at the LSAT!" Hilarious (but very frustrating).

I mean yeah, it wasn't ideal and I ended up scoring pretty badly but whether or not that was down to the test site, the jackhammering, or just my nerves has yet to be determined. In retrospect I should've requested they put a comment on my score report about the test disruptions. I retook the test in October when I was back in the US for the summer and did much better. It's not the worst test site and I've heard better horror stories, but it's certainly not the best.

P.S. If you aren't living in London and haven't found a place to stay close to the test center yet, try the YHA St. Paul's. It's where I stayed when I took the test. It's probably only a 10 minute walk from the Ironmonger's Hall. Very clean with TVs and sinks in each room. The bathrooms/showers were clean as well. Also, a free breakfast in the morning which was actually pretty decent. Just a tip.

I had the thought of taking the test in london, but i decided not since it could get pretty chaotic when it comes to transport/location and I really don't want to stress myself out over these things before the exam. my experience in london has never been pleasant. thank god my term starts late so i can take a few days off and take the test back home before heading back to england...

webbylu87 wrote:Third, when we sat down at the desks to start filling everything out someone outside began using a jackhammer. I kid you not. I guess LSAC had sent the construction company a letter to let them know we were testing on this day and time and requested that they not work during that time. Needless to say they did not take this request on board. We kept filling the paperwork out while someone went to talk to the contractor. For the most part it stopped but they did work intermittently throughout the test. At one point we were all just sitting there, waiting for it to stop so we could start the first section and the old English woman who was proctoring goes, "Well. Hmph. Maybe we should just have a go at it then?" This American guy says, "Lady. This is the LSAT. You don't just 'have a go' at the LSAT!" Hilarious (but very frustrating).

I mean yeah, it wasn't ideal and I ended up scoring pretty badly but whether or not that was down to the test site, the jackhammering, or just my nerves has yet to be determined. In retrospect I should've requested they put a comment on my score report about the test disruptions. I retook the test in October when I was back in the US for the summer and did much better. It's not the worst test site and I've heard better horror stories, but it's certainly not the best.

Okay...that sucks major balls.

Ill be home all summer, but I start back in London end of September so I have no choice but to take it in London. The proctors sound like they were ok...but the other stuff not so fun. Ill prob go 'visit' the test center a week or so before the exam so I dont get lost etc. I wonder if its usually the same proctors or not...Ive heard some stories where proctors end a section a couple mins early etc. I think that would kill me.

Thanks alot for your post, it was a real help. Hopefully Ill already have a place to stay/live for the year, if not though I will check out that hostel. Besides that I think the most I can do is take a cab and get there super early. I wonder how many people actually take the LSAT here? Im guessing alot if its the only center in England...

At least theres nothing as bad as soft desks that make you poke through your bubble sheet, or no bathroom etc. Being the overzealous psycho I am when it comes to exams I might write the center/lsat a letter asking if they can ensure no construction etc. is scheduled that day, and reference your incident lool.

sven wrote:I was waitlisted for Ironmonger's Hall and placed into the University of London Student Union building for the test in June... Does anybody know if this is better/worse??

I didnt actually know there was a second test center in London sven. That being said, if its the University that Im thinking of then the center should be alright. You might want to find it a couple days in advance though. And because it is at a University, you may have more 'clued in' proctors than the type webbylu87 had (old pensioners that had no idea how impt the exam was, and therefore how unacceptable drilling outside the test was).

Be sure to drop back and let us know about the test center after, please

sven wrote:I was waitlisted for Ironmonger's Hall and placed into the University of London Student Union building for the test in June... Does anybody know if this is better/worse??

I didnt actually know there was a second test center in London sven. That being said, if its the University that Im thinking of then the center should be alright. You might want to find it a couple days in advance though. And because it is at a University, you may have more 'clued in' proctors than the type webbylu87 had (old pensioners that had no idea how impt the exam was, and therefore how unacceptable drilling outside the test was).

Be sure to drop back and let us know about the test center after, please

I'm back. The test center was pretty awesome. No problems at all. The proctors were very much aware of all rules, the room was quiet, and the desks were comfortably-sized.

For anyone that has taken their LSAT at the Ironmongers Hall in London, how long did it take once you got there till you started the test? Ive read some centers you can be at the center 6 hours (including the test)!

Was the admin part here pretty fast, or slow?? Ill be taking it there and the horror story above kinda has me stressin a bit. If Im gonna be there for 6-7 hours my snack will most likely be alot more than an apple n granola bar, and Ill have to time when I take my med.

sven wrote:I was waitlisted for Ironmonger's Hall and placed into the University of London Student Union building for the test in June... Does anybody know if this is better/worse??

I didnt actually know there was a second test center in London sven. That being said, if its the University that Im thinking of then the center should be alright. You might want to find it a couple days in advance though. And because it is at a University, you may have more 'clued in' proctors than the type webbylu87 had (old pensioners that had no idea how impt the exam was, and therefore how unacceptable drilling outside the test was).

Be sure to drop back and let us know about the test center after, please

I'm back. The test center was pretty awesome. No problems at all. The proctors were very much aware of all rules, the room was quiet, and the desks were comfortably-sized.

I hope the October test goes well. I will take Feb Test on Saturday. Since I will be going to London from Oxford that morning, and having a phone will be very much convenient, do you know if there is any place I can store the phone? Cheers